The Effect of SO2 on CO2 Absorption in an Aqueous Potassium Carbonate Solvent

In solvent absorption systems for carbon dioxide capture, potassium carbonate shows particular promise as a solvent. One of the advantages of this solvent is that it is more manageable by way of separation and/or cost effectiveness in the presence of SO2. This paper examines the feasibility of using the same absorber system for simultaneous capture of both CO2 and SO2 from post combustion flue gases. Using a dynamic equilibrium apparatus, the changes in the vapour pressure were measured upon the introduction of sulphur dioxide to a CO2/ N2 mixed gas stream. It has been shown that there is a small change in the resultant vapour pressure. The overall affect of SO2 on the efficiency of CO2 capture is discussed.